NHL Pick: Washington Capitals at Detroit Red Wings

The Washington Capitals visit Joe Louis Arena in Detroit tonight where they take on the Red Wings. The Red Wings haven’t had too much luck versus the Capitals over the past few years winning just 3 of the last 9 meetings overall but they did beat the Capitals 1-0 in their last meeting just a few days ago. The Red Wings have had a bit more luck versus the Capitals when playing at home where they have won 12 of the last 17 meetings.

Head to Head Trends

Home team is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings. Capitals are 6-3 in the last 9 meetings overall.

Detroit Red Wings (+105)

The Detroit Red Wings are 3rd in the Atlantic Division with 19 points 11 points back of the 1st place Montreal Canadians. The Red Wings had a bit of a rough stretch a couple weeks back losing 6 of 7 games but it looks like they are back playing solid hockey again winning 5 of their last 8 games. The Wings have a good defense allowing 2.50 goals per game but they are really lacking on offense this season averaging just 2.28 goals per game. I think the Wings are going to have to start opening up their game a bit and start getting more pucks to the net because right now they are averaging just 25.9 shots per game and you really want to be around the 30 shot per game mark.

Detroit Red Wings Trends

Red Wings are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Red Wings are 1-8 in their last 9 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.

Washington Capitals (-115)

The Washington Capitals are 2nd in the Metropolitan Division with 23 points 7 points behind the New York Rangers but the Capitals do have a couple extra games in hand. The Capitals got off to fast start this season winning 10 of their first 13 games in large part due to their red hot offense but it looks like they are starting to cool off losing 2 of their last 3 games and have scored 3 or less goals in 7 of their last 9 games.

Washington Capitals Trends

Capitals are 10-4 in their last 14 overall. Capitals are 3-8 in their last 11 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Conclusion

I like the Detroit Red Wings over the Capitals in this one. The Wings are not a super good team but they are one of those teams that can steal a win with their defense so with the Capitals starting to struggle a bit I think this is s good spot to play a home underdog.